Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve
SEACAR Habitat Analyses
Last compiled on 08 April, 2024
Threshold Filtering
Threshold filters, following the guidance of Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration (DEAR) are used to exclude specific results values from the SEACAR Analysis. Based on the threshold filters, Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC) Flags are inserted into the SEACAR_QAQCFlagCode and SEACAR_QAQC_Description columns of the export data. The Include column indicates whether the QAQC Flag will also indicate that data are excluded from analysis. No data are excluded from the data export, but the analysis scripts can use the Include column to exclude data (1 to include, 0 to exclude).
| Parameter Name | Units | Low Threshold | High Threshold | Sensor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissolved Oxygen | mg/L | 0 | 50 | YSI EXOs |
| Dissolved Oxygen | mg/L | 0 | 50 | Analysis Only - 2022-04-04 |
| Dissolved Oxygen | mg/L | 0 | 50 | 6600 Series |
| Salinity | ppt | 0 | 70 | 6600 Series |
| Salinity | ppt | 0 | 70 | YSI EXOs |
| Salinity | ppt | 0 | 70 | Analysis Only - 2022-04-04 |
| Water Temperature | Degrees C | -5 | 45 | YSI EXOs |
| Water Temperature | Degrees C | -5 | 45 | Analysis Only - 2022-04-04 |
| Water Temperature | Degrees C | -5 | 45 | 6600 Series |
| pH | pH | 2 | 14 | Analysis Only - 2022-04-04 |
| pH | pH | 2 | 14 | 6600 Series |
| pH | pH | 2 | 14 | YSI EXOs |
| Dissolved Oxygen Saturation | % | 0 | 500 | YSI EXOs |
| Dissolved Oxygen Saturation | % | 0 | 500 | 6600 Series |
| Dissolved Oxygen Saturation | % | 0 | 500 | Analysis Only - 2022-04-04 |
| Specific Conductivity | mS/cm | 0 | 100 | 6600 Series |
| Specific Conductivity | mS/cm | 0 | 200 | YSI EXOs |
| Turbidity | NTU | 0 | 4000 | YSI EXOs |
| Turbidity | NTU | 0 | 1000 | 6600 Series |
| Turbidity | NTU | 0 | 4000 | Analysis Only - 2022-04-04 |
| Parameter Name | Units | Low Threshold | High Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissolved Oxygen | mg/L | 0.000001 | 22 |
| Salinity | ppt | 0 | 70 |
| Water Temperature | Degrees C | 3 | 40 |
| pH | 2 | 13 | |
| Dissolved Oxygen Saturation | % | 0.000001 | 310 |
| Specific Conductivity | mS/cm | 0.005000001 | 100 |
| Turbidity | NTU | 0 | - |
| Total Suspended Solids (TSS) | mg/L | 0 | - |
| Chlorophyll a uncorrected for pheophytin | ug/L | 0 | - |
| Chlorophyll a corrected for pheophytin | ug/L | 0 | - |
| Secchi Depth | m | 0.000001 | 50 |
| Light Extinction Coefficient | m^1 | 0 | - |
| Colored dissolved organic matter, CDOM | PCU | 0 | - |
| Fluorescent dissolved organic matter, FDOM | QSE | 0 | - |
| Total Nitrogen | mg/L | 0 | - |
| Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen TKN | mg/L | 0 | - |
| NO2+3 Filtered | mg/L | 0 | - |
| NH4 Filtered | mg/L | 0 | - |
| Total Phosphorus | mg/L | 0 | - |
| PO4 Filtered | mg/L | 0 | - |
| Ammonia- Un-ionized (NH3) | mg/L | 0 | - |
| Nitrate (N) | mg/L | 0 | - |
| Nitrite (N) | mg/L | 0 | - |
| Nitrogen, organic | mg/L | 0 | - |
| SEACAR QAQC Description | Include | SEACAR QAQCFlagCode |
|---|---|---|
| Exceeds Maximum threshold. Not verified in raw data | No | 2Q |
| Exceeds Maximum threshold. Verified in raw data | No | 3Q |
| Below Minimum threshold. Not verified in raw data | No | 4Q |
| Below Minimum threshold. Verified in raw data | No | 5Q |
| Within threshold tolerance | Yes | 6Q |
| No defined thresholds for this parameter | Yes | 7Q |
Value Qualifiers
Value qualifier codes included within the data are used to exclude certain results from the analysis. The data are retained in the data export files, but the analysis uses the Include column to filter the results.
STORET and WIN value qualifier codes
Value qualifier codes from STORET and WIN data are examined with the database and used to populate the Include column in data exports.
| Qualifier Source | Value Qualifier | Include | MDL | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STORET-WIN | H | No | 0 | Value based on field kit determination; results may not be accurate |
| STORET-WIN | J | No | 0 | Estimated value |
| STORET-WIN | V | No | 0 | Analyte was detected at or above method detection limit |
| STORET-WIN | Y | No | 0 |
Discrete Water Quality Value Qualifiers
The following value qualifiers are highlighted in the Discrete Water Quality section of this report. An exception is made for Program 476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network and data flagged with Value Qualifier H are included for this program only.
H - Value based on field kit determiniation; results may not be accurate. This code shall be used if a field screening test (e.g., field gas chromatograph data, immunoassay, or vendor-supplied field kit) was used to generate the value and the field kit or method has not been recognized by the Department as equivalent to laboratory methods.
I - The reported value is greater than or equal to the laboratory method detection limit but less than the laboratory practical quantitation limit.
Q - Sample held beyond the accepted holding time. This code shall be used if the value is derived from a sample that was prepared or analyzed after the approved holding time restrictions for sample preparation or analysis.
S - Secchi disk visible to bottom of waterbody. The value reported is the depth of the waterbody at the location of the Secchi disk measurement.
U - Indicates that the compound was analyzed for but not detected. This symbol shall be used to indicate that the specified component was not detected. The value associated with the qualifier shall be the laboratory method detection limit. Unless requested by the client, less than the method detection limit values shall not be reported
Systemwide Monitoring Program (SWMP) value qualifier codes
Value qualifier codes from the SWMP continuous program are examined with the database and used to populate the Include column in data exports. SWMP Qualifier Codes are indicated by QualifierSource=SWMP.
| Qualifier Source | Value Qualifier | Include | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWMP | -1 | Yes | Optional parameter not collected |
| SWMP | -2 | No | Missing data |
| SWMP | -3 | No | Data rejected due to QA/QC |
| SWMP | -4 | No | Outside low sensor range |
| SWMP | -5 | No | Outside high sensor range |
| SWMP | 0 | Yes | Passed initial QA/QC checks |
| SWMP | 1 | No | Suspect data |
| SWMP | 2 | Yes | Reserved for future use |
| SWMP | 3 | Yes | |
| SWMP | 4 | Yes | Historical: Pre-auto QA/QC |
| SWMP | 5 | Yes | Corrected data |
Water Column
The water column habitat extends from the surface of all water bodies to the bottom sediments and encompasses the different features found in the water at different depths (National Oceanographic Center, 2016). The water column habitat must be viewed in relation to its interconnectedness with other habitats. A healthy water column is an integral component in ensuring a healthy marine and coastal ecosystem. Having a flourishing marine and coastal ecosystem in Florida is necessary to support a strong economy. The health of the water column is dependent upon factors as diverse as land use (e.g., agriculture, mining, forestry practices); human population growth; emissions, (e.g., power plants, automobiles, wastewater); climate (e.g., rainfall, temperature, winds and currents); and decadal trends (e.g., El Niño/La Niña, Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, climate change).
The water column is composed of various physical, chemical and biological features, and only a small number of them are adequately monitored. Features of the water column that are monitored are used as indicators of the water column health and help assess the status of other habitats. These indicators include nutrient concentrations (nitrogen and phosphorus); water quality (dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity and pH); water clarity (Secchi depth, turbidity, chlorophyll-a and colored dissolved organic matter); and nekton (fish, macroinvertebrates and megafauna).
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Analysis
Indicators must have a minimum of five to ten years, depending on the habitat, of data within the geographic range of the analysis to be included in the analysis. Ten years of data are required for discrete parameters, and five years of data are required for continuous parameters. If there are insufficient years of data, the number of years of data available will be noted and labeled as “insufficient data to conduct analysis”. Further, for the preferred Seasonal Kendall-Tau test, there must be data from at least two months in common across at least two consecutive years within the RCP managed area being analyzed. Values that pass both of these tests will be included in the analysis and be labeled as Use_In_Analysis = TRUE. Any that fail either test will be excluded from the analyses and labeled as Use_In_Analysis = FALSE.
Water Quality - Discrete
The following files were used in the discrete analysis:
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Chlorophyll_a_corrected_for_pheophytin-2024-Mar-27.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Chlorophyll_a_uncorrected_for_pheophytin-2024-Mar-27.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Colored_dissolved_organic_matter_CDOM-2024-Mar-27.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Dissolved_Oxygen-2024-Mar-27.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation-2024-Mar-27.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_pH-2024-Mar-27.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Salinity-2024-Mar-27.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Secchi_Depth-2024-Mar-27.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Nitrogen-2024-Mar-27.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Phosphorus-2024-Mar-27.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Suspended_Solids_TSS-2024-Mar-27.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Turbidity-2024-Mar-27.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Water_Temperature-2024-Mar-27.txt
Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin - Discrete Water Quality
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Chlorophyll a,
Uncorrected for Pheophytin
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available
at each sampling site
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 514 | 902 | 2001 | 2023 |
| 103 | 131 | 2020 | 2021 |
| 5002 | 19 | 2019 | 2022 |
Program names:
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
Value Qualifiers
- N_Total is total amount of data for a given year
- N_ is the total amount of values flagged with the respective value qualifier in a given year
- perc_ is the percent of data flagged with the respective value qualifier as a proportion of N_Total
| Year | N_Total | N_I | perc_I | N_Q | perc_Q | N_U | perc_U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 75 | 1 | 1.3 | ||||
| 2020 | 47 | 1 | 2.1 | ||||
| 2021 | 206 | 1 | 0.5 | 5 | 2.4 | ||
| 2022 | 88 | 14 | 15.9 | 1 | 1.1 | ||
| 2023 | 28 | 7 | 25.0 | 3 | 10.7 |
Note: 1I - Reported value is greater than or equal to lab method detection limit, but less than quantitation limit 2Q - Sample held beyond the accepted holding time 3U - Compound was analyzed for but not detected
Programs containing Value Qualified data:
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
Colored Dissolved Organic Matter - Discrete Water Quality
Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) occurs naturally in every water body. It is made up of mainly plant material, algae and bacteria. The composition is determined by its source; plants, soil, algae, and wastewater are common sources.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Colored Dissolved
Organic Matter
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available
at each sampling site
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 514 | 319 | 2001 | 2023 |
Program names:
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program
Value Qualifiers
- N_Total is total amount of data for a given year
- N_ is the total amount of values flagged with the respective value qualifier in a given year
- perc_ is the percent of data flagged with the respective value qualifier as a proportion of N_Total
| Year | N_Total | N_Q | perc_Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 21 | 21 | 100 |
| 2021 | 7 | 7 | 100 |
| 2022 | 21 | 21 | 100 |
| 2023 | 14 | 14 | 100 |
Note: 1Q - Sample held beyond the accepted holding time
Programs containing Value Qualified data:
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program
Dissolved Oxygen - Discrete Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is a key indicator of water quality. Oxygen enters surface waters by air-sea gas exchange, by wind action, or as a byproduct of aquatic plant photosynthesis. The actual quantity of DO in aquatic environments is dependent on the above processes as well as water temperature and salinity.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Dissolved
Oxygen
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available
at each sampling site
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 5829 | 1998 | 2022 |
| 69 | 999 | 1998 | 2017 |
| 469 | 532 | 2016 | 2023 |
| 557 | 148 | 2005 | 2021 |
| 95 | 86 | 2004 | 2018 |
| 103 | 15 | 2021 | 2021 |
Program names:
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program
469 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserve WQ Monitoring
557 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves Seagrass
Monitoring
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
There are no qualifying Value Qualifiers for Dissolved Oxygen in Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve
pH - Discrete Water Quality
The pH of water is the measure of how acidic or basic the water body is on a scale of 0-14, with lower readings indicating acidic and higher readings indicating basic, and a pH of 7 being neutral. Florida’s natural waters fall between 6.5 and 8.5 on this scale. A water body’s pH can change due to precipitation, geology, vegetation, water pollution and air pollution.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for pH
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available
at each sampling site
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 2810 | 1998 | 2022 |
| 69 | 989 | 1998 | 2017 |
| 469 | 532 | 2016 | 2023 |
| 558 | 180 | 2008 | 2014 |
| 557 | 127 | 2005 | 2021 |
| 95 | 82 | 2008 | 2018 |
| 103 | 15 | 2021 | 2021 |
Program names:
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program
469 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserve WQ Monitoring
558 - Franklin County Coastal Waters Seagrass Monitoring
557 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves Seagrass
Monitoring
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
There are no qualifying Value Qualifiers for pH in Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve
Salinity - Discrete Water Quality
Salinity is a measure of the amount of salt in the water. In estuarine ecosystems, salinity is influenced by precipitation, evaporation, surface-water inputs, and exchange with coastal waters.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Salinity
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available
at each sampling site
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 6810 | 1998 | 2022 |
| 69 | 997 | 1998 | 2017 |
| 469 | 532 | 2016 | 2023 |
| 558 | 258 | 2008 | 2014 |
| 557 | 148 | 2005 | 2021 |
| 95 | 100 | 1996 | 2018 |
Program names:
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program
469 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserve WQ Monitoring
558 - Franklin County Coastal Waters Seagrass Monitoring
557 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves Seagrass
Monitoring
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network
There are no qualifying Value Qualifiers for Salinity in Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve
Secchi Depth - Discrete Water Quality
Secchi depth is a measure of the transparency or clarity of the water by a device called a Secchi disk. A Secchi disk is a black and white disk that is lowered into the water on a cord. The Secchi depth is the depth at which the disk can no longer be seen. The deeper the Secchi depth, the greater the water clarity.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Secchi Depth
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available
at each sampling site
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 990 | 1998 | 2017 |
| 514 | 910 | 2001 | 2023 |
| 558 | 331 | 2008 | 2017 |
| 557 | 79 | 2005 | 2021 |
| 5002 | 24 | 2019 | 2022 |
| 103 | 10 | 2021 | 2021 |
Program names:
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program
558 - Franklin County Coastal Waters Seagrass Monitoring
557 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves Seagrass
Monitoring
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
Value Qualifiers
- N_Total is total amount of data for a given year
- N_ is the total amount of values flagged with the respective value qualifier in a given year
- perc_ is the percent of data flagged with the respective value qualifier as a proportion of N_Total
| Year | N_Total | N_S | perc_S |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 102 | 35 | 34.3 |
| 2021 | 119 | 33 | 27.7 |
| 2022 | 88 | 20 | 22.7 |
| 2023 | 28 | 14 | 50.0 |
Note: 1S - Secchi disk visible to bottom of waterbody
Programs containing Value Qualified data:
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
Total Nitrogen - Discrete Water Quality
Nitrogen and Phosphorous are key nutrients that provide nourishment essential for the growth and maintenance of aquatic plants and animals; however, excess nutrients can cause harmful algal blooms and other water quality concerns. Nutrients enter water bodies several ways, including runoff from rain events and atmospheric deposition from natural and industrial sources.
Total Nitrogen Calculation:
The logic for calculated Total Nitrogen was provided by Kevin O’Donnell and colleagues at FDEP (with the help of Jay Silvanima, Watershed Monitoring Section). The following logic is used, in this order, based on the availability of specific nitrogen components.
- TN = TKN + NO3O2;
- TN = TKN + NO3 + NO2;
- TN = ORGN + NH4 + NO3O2;
- TN = ORGN + NH4 + NO2 + NO3;
- TN = TKN + NO3;
- TN = ORGN + NH4 + NO3;
Additional Information:
- Rules for use of sample fraction:
- FDEP report that if both “Total” and “Dissolved” are reported, only “Total” is used. If the total is not reported, they do use dissolved as a best available replacement.
- An analysis of all SEACAR data shows that 90% of all possible TN calculations can be done using nitrogen components with the same sample fraction, rather than use nitrogen components with mixed total/dissolved sample fractions. In other words, TN can be calculated when TKN and NO3O2 are both total sample fraction, or when both are dissolved sample fraction. This is important, because then the calculated TN value is not based on components with mixed sample fractions.
- Values inserted into data:
- ParameterName = “Total Nitrogen”
- SEACAR_QAQCFlagCode = “1Q”
- SEACAR_QAQC_Description = “SEACAR Calculated”
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Total Nitrogen
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available at each sampling site
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 514 | 905 | 2001 | 2023 |
| 5002 | 465 | 2001 | 2022 |
Program names:
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
Value Qualifiers
- N_Total is total amount of data for a given year
- N_ is the total amount of values flagged with the respective value qualifier in a given year
- perc_ is the percent of data flagged with the respective value qualifier as a proportion of N_Total
| Year | N_Total | N_Q | perc_Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 67 | 14 | 20.9 |
| 2022 | 81 | 14 | 17.3 |
Note: 1Q - Sample held beyond the accepted holding time
Programs containing Value Qualified data:
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program
Total Phosphorus - Discrete Water Quality
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Total
Phosphorus
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available
at each sampling site
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 514 | 912 | 2001 | 2023 |
| 103 | 61 | 2020 | 2021 |
| 5002 | 24 | 2012 | 2022 |
Program names:
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
Value Qualifiers
- N_Total is total amount of data for a given year
- N_ is the total amount of values flagged with the respective value qualifier in a given year
- perc_ is the percent of data flagged with the respective value qualifier as a proportion of N_Total
| Year | N_Total | N_I | perc_I | N_Q | perc_Q |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 75 | 6 | 8.0 | 7 | 9.3 |
| 2021 | 122 | 8 | 6.6 | 7 | 5.7 |
| 2022 | 81 | 5 | 6.2 | 14 | 17.3 |
| 2023 | 28 | 16 | 57.1 |
Note: 1I - Reported value is greater than or equal to lab method detection limit, but less than quantitation limit 2Q - Sample held beyond the accepted holding time
Programs containing Value Qualified data:
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
Turbidity - Discrete Water Quality
Turbidity results from suspended solids in the water, including silts, clays, tannins, industrial wastes, sewage and plankton, which are all factors that contribute to how clouded or murky a water column is. Turbidity is caused by soil erosion, excess nutrients, pollutants, and physical forces such as winds, currents and bottom feeders.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Turbidity
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available
at each sampling site
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 3543 | 1998 | 2022 |
| 469 | 161 | 2021 | 2023 |
| 103 | 5 | 2021 | 2021 |
Program names:
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
469 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserve WQ Monitoring
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
There are no qualifying Value Qualifiers for Turbidity in Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve
Water Temperature - Discrete Water Quality
Temperature determines the capacity of water to hold oxygen. Cooler water can hold more dissolved oxygen because water molecules are more tightly packed, making it harder for oxygen to escape. Additionally, as water temperature increases, fish and other aquatic organisms become more active and consume oxygen at a faster rate.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
Map showing location of Discrete sampling sites for Water
Temperature
The bubble size on the above plots reflects the amount of data available
at each sampling site
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 7037 | 1998 | 2022 |
| 69 | 1003 | 1998 | 2017 |
| 469 | 532 | 2016 | 2023 |
| 558 | 271 | 2008 | 2017 |
| 557 | 148 | 2005 | 2021 |
| 95 | 98 | 1996 | 2018 |
| 103 | 15 | 2021 | 2021 |
Program names:
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program
469 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserve WQ Monitoring
558 - Franklin County Coastal Waters Seagrass Monitoring
557 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves Seagrass
Monitoring
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)
There are no qualifying Value Qualifiers for Water Temperature in Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve
Water Quality - Continuous
The following files were used in the continuous analysis:
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_NW-2024-Mar-23.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation_NW-2024-Mar-23.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_pH_NW-2024-Mar-23.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Salinity_NW-2024-Mar-23.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Turbidity_NW-2024-Mar-23.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Water_Temperature_NW-2024-Mar-23.txt
Map showing Continuous Water Quality Monitoring sampling locations
within the boundaries of Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve. Sites marked
as Use In Analysis are featured in this report.
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
The data file used is: All_SAV_Parameters-2024-Mar-29.txt
Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) refers to plants and plant-like macroalgae species that live entirely underwater. The two primary categories of SAV inhabiting Florida estuaries are benthic macroalgae and seagrasses. They often grow together in dense beds or meadows that carpet the seafloor. Macroalgae include multicellular species of green, red and brown algae that often live attached to the substrate by a holdfast. They tend to grow quickly and can tolerate relatively high nutrient levels, making them a threat to seagrasses and other benthic habitats in areas with poor water quality. In contrast, seagrasses are grass-like, vascular, flowering plants that are attached to the seafloor by extensive root systems. Seagrasses occur throughout the coastal areas of Florida, including protected bays and lagoons as well as deeper offshore waters on the continental shelf. Seagrasses have taken advantage of the broad, shallow shelf and clear water to produce two of the most extensive seagrass beds anywhere in continental North America.
Parameters
Percent Cover measures the fraction of an area of seafloor that is covered by SAV, usually estimated by evaluating multiple small areas of seafloor. Percent cover is often estimated for total SAV, individual types of vegetation (seagrass, attached algae, drift algae) and individual species.
Frequency of Occurrence was calculated as the number of times a taxon was observed in a year divided by the number of sampling events, multiplied by 100. Analysis is conducted at the quadrat level and is inclusive of all quadrats (i.e., quadrats evaluated using Braun-Blanquet, modified Braun-Blanquet, and percent cover.”
Species
Turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) is the largest of the Florida seagrasses, with longer, thicker blades and deeper root structures than any of the other seagrasses. It is considered a climax seagrass species.
Shoal grass (Halodule wrightii) is an early colonizer of vegetated areas and usually grows in water too shallow for other species except widgeon grass. It can often tolerate larger salinity ranges than other seagrass species. Shoal grass is characterized by thin, flat blades, that are narrower than turtle grass blades.
Manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme) is easily recognizable because its leaves are thin and cylindrical instead of the flat, ribbon-like form shared by many other seagrass species. The leaves can grow up to half a meter in length. Manatee grass is usually found in mixed seagrass beds or small, dense monospecific patches.
Widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima) grows in both fresh and salt water and is widely distributed throughout Florida’s estuaries in less saline areas, particularly in inlets along the east coast. This species resembles shoal grass in certain environments but can be identified by the pointed tips of its leaves.
Three species of Halophila spp. are found in Florida - Star grass (Halophila engelmannii), Paddle grass (Halophila decipiens), and Johnson’s seagrass (Halophila johnsonii). These are smaller, more fragile seagrasses than other Florida species and are considered ephemeral. They grow along a single long rhizome, with short blades. These species are not well-studied, although surveys are underway to define their ecological roles.
Notes
Star grass, Paddle grass, and Johnson’s seagrass will be grouped together and listed as Halophila spp. in the following managed areas. This is because several surveys did not specify to the species level:
Banana River Aquatic Preserve
Indian River-Malabar to Vero Beach Aquatic Preserve
Indian River-Vero Beach to Ft. Pierce Aquatic Preserve
Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet Aquatic Preserve
Loxahatchee River-Lake Worth Creek Aquatic Preserve
Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve
Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Maps showing the temporal scope of SAV sampling sites within the
boundaries of Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve by Program
name.
Sampling locations by Program:
Map showing SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Alligator
Harbor Aquatic Preserve. The point size reflects the number of
samples at a given sampling site.
| N_Data | YearMin | YearMax | Collection Method | Sample Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 423 | 2009 | 2022 | Braun Blanquet | 14 |
| N_Data | YearMin | YearMax | Collection Method | Sample Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2984 | 2009 | 2017 | Percent Cover | 38 |
Median percent cover by species in Alligator Harbor Aquatic
Preserve. Linear mixed-effects models are applied to each species
to produce species trends. The trendlines are then isolated and
reproduced below for ease of viewing. The LME results are available in
table form beneath the supplemental trendplot below.
Generalized additive models for each species in Alligator Harbor Aquatic
Preserve. Species must have at least 10 years of data to be
evaluated.
Drift algae, Total seagrass, Attached algae, No grass in Quadrat, and Total SAV are excluded from the analyses.